In plastic
additive manufacturing, selective laser sintering (SLS) enjoys a few advantages
over fused deposition modelling (FDM). For example, the powder bed surrounding
the build eliminates the need for supports, and parts can be nested in the
build chamber to increase productivity. SLS also benefits from the wide range
of available powders—from nylons, to flexible elastomers, to glass- and metal-
reinforced compounds—and that list is only growing.
Ricoh is launching a new material for its SLS 3D printers to open up access to a broader range of applications. Polybutylene
terephthalate (PBT) is a high-strength, heat resistant thermoplastic
material. It’s electrically insulating, heat resistant up to 150 C (300 °F), solvent resistant and
mechanically strong.
The
addition of PBT powder will enable engineers working with additive
manufacturing (AM) to make lighter components in less time and at a lower cost
of prototyping. The application range of PBT includes parts for electrical
components, automotive motors and bathroom furnishings.
Greg
Plowman, Director of Ricoh Europe’s European Additive Manufacturing Business
Group said: “A long and successful future for the AM market is intrinsically
linked to regular advances in material sciences. PBT is an important material.
It is high strength, heat resistant and maintains its shape during the forming
process. Crucially, it enables part producers to remain close to intended
manufacturing specifications.”
Ricoh will
be displaying PBT samples during Formnext, an international exhibition and conference on
the next generation of manufacturing technologies, which takes place at Messe
Frankfurt, Germany from November 14-17.
The
material will be available to Ricoh customers by mid-2018.
For more on
SLS powder materials, check out The Best 3D Printer Materials:
Polymer Powder Edition.